Subhash K Jha (DNA; May 14, 2014)

RC Cola, the century-old American beverage has just lost an Indian ambassador. Known to be an iconic cola in the USA, it failed to impress Indian wrestler Sangram Singh enough to agree to endorse it in the country.

It is learnt that the company was willing to offer Sangram Rs 2.5 crore to be the Indian face of the cola but he declined the offer. “I don’t touch alcohol, cigarettes and colas. I’ve never tasted them. Why should I endorse something that I’ve never tried personally? Yes, I said no to RC Cola’s offer although the money was very good,” admits Sangram.

He feels celebrities, especially sportspersons, need to be very careful about the products they endorse. “Whole generations look up to us. We have to set the right example. Otherwise what kind of a society are we going to build for future generations?”

Sangram feels pained when he sees actors and sportspersons selling colas. “They are known to be harmful to health. It is wrong to sell harmful goods. We, from the entertainment and sports world, have voices that people listen to. We must use it to promote the right values and that includes the things that we eat, drink, wear and use.”